INDEPENDENCE, Ohio–A lot of people may think card games are for seniors, but local students say they can be surprisingly fun.
For weeks, Cleveland bridge players have been teaching the game to middle school students.
“I didn’t even know what bridge was,” said Khalid Montes, a seventh grade student at Riverside Elementary School. “I didn’t know if it was a card game or anything until they explain it to us. It was a fun game.”
Today, 100 kids put their card-playing skills to the test during the American Contract Bridge League’s regional tournament.
“It’s a fun and difficult game and you have to be quiet when you’re playing it,” said Maya Smith, sixth grade student at Wade Park Elementary School. I talk a lot, so that’s hard for me.”
The game of bridge teaches children about math, teamwork–and, above all–patience.
“As a teacher, I’ve never played bridge either, so it was an eye opener to me as well,” said Carla Nindy, a math teacher at Wade Park. “Many of our students can beat me hands down. It’s not just another class. It’s a game for them. Any time you do something fun, they learn something a lot easier.”
Students said they’ve enjoyed the first-time experience at the tournament.
“We’re doing pretty well. My favorite part is when you win,” Montes said “It’s the best part, when you win, cause you have the satisfaction of winning.”
Despite who’s the overall winner, many say this is a lesson they’ll never forget.
“I’m a little nervous because I’m not that good at it,” Smith said. “I’m not an expert. But I’m having a lot of fun with my friends.”